President William Ruto has come out to downplay claims that constant criticism has sparked fear within the ranks in his administration.
Particularly, the head of state has addressed the growing dissent witnessed in recent times, with most of his critics chanting ‘Ruto Must Go’ at various events across the country.
Speaking on Saturday, April 12, 2025, during the burial ceremony of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard, George Odour, Ruto asserted that his administration was unbothered by the constant chants.
The commander in chief termed the chants as normal songs that dominate the airwaves for a specific time before fading away.
While insisting that his administration had no issue with the ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants, he assured a handful of mourners in Siaya that he was more focused on service delivery.
“Sasa nyinyi mnaniambia ‘Ruto Must Go’ Mimi nimesikia hio mara mingi. Kulikuwa na Moi must go, kulikuwa na mwingine must go… hii must go ni wimbo tu ya kawaida, there is no problem,” Ruto stated.
“Mara wananiita Zakayo, mara Kasongo mara nini, I am not bothered. Hii ni majina tu ya kawaida. I am focused. We must get our education right and I am very proud of what we are doing with our education.“
Which loosely translates to, “Now you are chanting ‘Ruto Must Go,’ and I have heard similar sentiments several times. During Moi’s time, I heard people chanting, and it continued from one administration to the next. That is just a normal song; there is no problem,” Ruto stated.
“There are others who are calling me Zakayo, while others refer to me as Kasongo. I am not bothered. These are just normal names. I am focused. We must get our education right, and I am very proud of what we are doing with our education.”
Increased criticism
Ruto’s sentiments came hours after a section of opposition leaders reprimanded his administration over how it handled the Butere Girls drama issue.
Speaking on Friday, April 11, 2025, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua wondered how fluid Ruto’s administration was to be scared by students.
“We are looking at Butere Girls, and we are unable to understand the viciousness against children by the present government. Even the colonial government spared the children,” he stated.
“They have gone berserk and are now fighting shadows, including schoolgirls. How fluid is your government if girls can bring it down?” he posed.
The same sentiments were shared by Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his DAP-K counterpart Eugene Wamalwa. They unanimously agreed to forge a partnership to send Ruto home in 2027.
Besides the leaders, Kenyans at various events have continued to chant ‘Ruto Must Go.’ Clubs, football matches and other social gatherings have become a center of criticism, with citizens not shying away from openly showing dissent against Ruto’s administration.